HOTELS THAT YOU AND YOUR DOG WILL LOVE

Natalie French

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Escaping to the seaside with your four-legged friend is the perfect antidote to a busy life. We’ve rounded up 10 beautiful British hotels that love dogs as much as you do – offering everything from doggy room service and pampering; to endless sandy beaches to run and paddle those paws.

Here, travel writer Natalie French offers up her suggestion for those who are looking to stay somewhere along the coast, with their furry friends.

Airds Hotel & Restaurant, Appin

Retreat to the stunning West coast of Scotland and stay in the 18th-century Airds Hotel. This little Highland stunner offers breath-taking views, fluffy robes and luxury linen for the humans. For the dogs, it’s all about the amazing walks. The lovely hotel garden leads straight to the shoreline of the serene Loch Linnhe with views of the Morvern mountains. The small conservatory at the front of the hotel welcomes guests to dine alongside their four-legged friends and you can phone ahead to arrange for blankets and dog food. Tartan dog coat, optional. 

The Seaview Hotel & Restaurant, Seaview

The Isle of Wight has earned a reputation as one of the most dog-friendly places in Britain and dogs can travel for free on the ferry - when accompanied by a well-behaved owner! Located on the north-east of the island, the independent Seaview Hotel is a popular choice with dog lovers - and many of the rooms are dog-friendly. Just two minutes from the sea, it offers plenty of wag-inducing coastal walks – with 65 miles in total! Once back at the hotel, the Pump Bar is a great place for a well-earned dog nap, whilst you sample real ales from Goddards and Island Ales or a G&T made with locally-distilled Mermaid Gin. 

The Grand Hotel, Eastbourne

What dog doesn’t deserve five-star luxury? The super-friendly Grand Hotel in Eastbourne has heaps of dog-friendly rooms on their DBB (dinner, bed and bowl) package. This much-loved, imposing, hotel is right on the promenade – promising plenty of beach walks with buckets of fresh sea air. If this doesn’t tire out the hound, the South Downs National Park is just a ball’s throw away. When it comes to dining, concierge will happily point you in the direction of dog-friendly pubs. Alternatively, (pre)order room service and Chef will arrange for an array of treats to be delivered straight to the room, along with ‘cocktail of the week’ for the human. 

South Sands, Salcombe

Welcome to doggie heaven! South Sands loves dogs and welcome them in the hotel, restaurant and cocktail bar – making it an all-round relaxed affair for all. The hotel sits right on South Sands beach – making morning walkies a dream (no restrictions from October – May. Summer time dogs are welcome before 10am and after 7pm). The dramatic coastal paths are a big draw and pups can run loose on neighbouring North Sands beach all year round. Furry friends can spend lazy afternoons curled up on a cosy rug beside the fire – or get stuck into the dog treat menu, with tasty treats including Venison sausage and pig ear auricles.

The Victoria Inn, Wells-next-the-Sea

Frequently voted as the best beach in Blighty, the wild golden dunes of Holkham Beach and National Nature Reserve are a dog-walkers paradise. Expect windswept panoramic coastline views and nature trails abundant with wildlife.  The cosy Victoria Inn is located with an Area of Natural Beauty and offers all dog-friendly rooms in the main house. In the summer time, treat your pooch to an exclusive ‘Wag ‘n Wash’ service at Holkham’s Beach Café - where dogs can enjoy a cooling and cleaning wash in a specially enclosed booth. The café also offers water bowls, dog coats, soft bedding and trays full of treats for canine visitors. 

The Headland Hotel & Spa, Newquay

The Headland Cornwall has been a dog-friendly hotel for over 40 years! Dogs and their owners love the five-star welcome, knock-out views of Fistral beach and a good paddle in the Atlantic Ocean. When it’s time to snuggle down, dogs can stay in any of the elegant, luxurious rooms, or award-winning cottages and enjoy a welcome pack including a comfy blanket, water bowl, treats and yummy food. Complimentary water bowls can also be found throughout communal areas of the hotel.

Macdonald Marine Hotel & Spa, North Berwick

Escape to the east coast of Scotland to a Victorian hotel with a warm canine welcome. Overlooking lush green links and set beside the Firth of Forth, dogs have free reign over the whole hotel, with exception of the spa and leisure facilities - but it’s the stunning beach with sand dunes to run in and coastal walks that really gets them wagging.  

The Mayflower, Lymington

If you’re looking for a stylish, dog-friendly, coastal pub - The Mayflower in Lymington is happy to oblige. Nautical-themed rooms, with beautiful views of the harbour, make this a great base for seaside shenanigans. The stunning New Forest National Park is also on the doorstep, providing endless woodland walks and a chance to roam the 60-mile Solent Way. Back at the pub, pets are welcome to dine at the bar with you or find a sunny spot in the garden terrace. 

Bailiffscourt Hotel & Spa, Climping

With 39 dog-friendly bedrooms to choose from, Baliffscourt Hotel and Spa is a great choice for a charming weekend escape. Situated in stunning West Sussex, the 1920s retreat, with its own Norman Chapel, is set in 30-acres of glorious parkland with free-roaming resident peacocks. The unspoilt Climping Beach is just a five-minute walk away – making it a haven for seaside loving pups. The magnificent Arundel Castle and Chichester Harbour are also a short drive away. 

The Lygon Arms Hotel, Broadway

For those that prefer to head inland - The Lygon Arms, in the Cotswolds, is all about the relaxation. Borrow a pair of wellies from the boot room and you and your dog can meander through the Cotswold fields to the Broadway Tower – an iconic landmark and the brainchild of 18th century landscape designer, Capability Brown. Back at the hotel, you can book the newly-launched ‘Nails and Tail’ spa day – and while you enjoy a facial, file and polish; your four-pawed friend will be collected by Broadway Dog Groomer for an ultimate grooming experience. When you’re reunited, your fury companion will have been bathed, cut, dry and clipped and spritzed with a choice of ‘Jimmy Chow’ or ‘Jean Paw Gaultier’ perfume – no less!